Amman, July 16 (Petra) – Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) Chairperson Khalil Haj Tawfiq on Thursday called for establishing a Jordan-China business council as a permanent platform to develop economic and investment ties between the two countries.

He also proposed creating an Entrepreneurs Council to enhance communication between startups and entrepreneurs in Jordan and China, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and support future partnerships, particularly in the information technology sector.

Haj Tawfiq made the remarks during a meeting between the ACC board and Chinese Ambassador to Jordan Guo Wei to discuss expanding bilateral trade, investment, and private-sector cooperation.

He said Jordanian-Chinese relations have advanced significantly since the two countries established a strategic partnership in 2015, adding that future cooperation should move beyond trade toward investment, joint production, and technology transfer.

Haj Tawfiq said Jordan’s strategic location, stability, and free trade agreements make it a potential gateway for Chinese companies to regional markets. He highlighted opportunities to increase Jordanian exports and attract Chinese investment in potash, phosphate, fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, food industries, and other competitive sectors.

He also called for a meeting between Jordanian investors and importers and the Chinese Embassy’s economic and commercial representatives to discuss trade barriers and investment opportunities.

For his part, Guo affirmed that Jordanian-Chinese relations continue to develop within the framework of the strategic partnership between the two countries, which he said enjoys the support of their leaderships.

The ambassador stressed the importance of aligning Jordan's and China's modernization efforts and translating shared visions into practical programs and projects that benefit both countries.

He highlighted China's progress in economic development, technology, innovation and investment, noting that the experience of its industrial cities and economic zones offers opportunities for exchanging expertise and building sustainable partnerships with Jordan.

Guo said the Chinese Embassy and its Economic and Commercial Section are ready to enhance cooperation with the Amman Chamber of Commerce, facilitate communication between business communities and encourage greater imports of Jordanian products to China.

He also emphasized the importance of attracting high-quality Chinese investments to Jordan, particularly in value-added sectors, to support joint production projects, technology transfer, skills development, and the expansion of Jordan's manufacturing and export capabilities.

The ambassador noted China's interest in expanding cooperation with Jordan in industrial, energy, infrastructure, water and digital economy sectors, citing Jordan's stability, strategic location and trade agreements as key factors that make it an important partner and gateway to regional markets.

According to official figures, Jordan imported JD4.18 billion worth of goods from China last year, compared with Jordanian exports valued at JD268 million.

//Petra// AO